Millefiori Glass Beads Strand

Product Description: This is a strand of Millefiori Glass Beads.

• Origin: Venice
• Size:
  • Length: 108cm
  • Main Bead Dimensions: 15mm x 52mm

Note: As this is an antique item, it may exhibit signs of wear such as scratches, cracks, or chips.

About Millefiori:

Era: Late 1800s to early 1900s

Origin: Venice

Technique: Mosaic appliqué or mosaic insertion

In Africa, these beads are known as "Chachaso." The term "Millefiori" is Italian for "a thousand flowers." Following the collapse of their exclusive trade with the East and the dominance of Bohemian glass in the European market, Venice faced significant economic challenges. In response, Venetian artisans created richly colored decorative glass, with Millefiori being a prime example. Traders who were already engaged in bead trade with Africa crafted cylindrical glass beads from Millefiori glass, which were then transported to Africa as trade beads.